Games - Korea soccer coach wants team to curb aggression against Japan

Almost every able-bodied South Korean male is required to carry out 21 months of military service before the age of 28, although the government rewards Asian Games gold medals and Olympic medals of any colour with an exemption.

Korean coach Park Hangseo, a member of the legendary Guus Hiddink's coaching staff at the 2002 World Cup when South Korea reached the semifinals, is coaching Vietnam.

"We've reached the semifinals and become one of four best teams in Asia so we aren't afraid of taking on anyone", said striker Nguyen Van Toan, who scored the only goal in the match against Syria on Monday.

Son is now representing his country at the Asian Games and if the team is successful, the squad will avoid having to take a break from their careers.

Now Park and his players stand in the way of Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and his Korean teammates.

In Saturday's gold medal game, South Korea will face either Chinese Taipei or Japan, depending on the result of their super round game later Thursday. "I think the players are hungry to win", Son said.

But, according to a report in the the Times, the attacker can still avoid service if South Korea lose the final to Japan.

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